Mining Scientist

Position:

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a Mining Scientist for the State Office in Boise.

Salary Range: $40.14

Responsibilities:
• Primary Responsibilities:

- Serve as the state point of contact for the cyanidation program to ensure the cyanidation statute and rules are followed.

- Issue new cyanidation permits.

- Conduct permit oversight and ensure compliance.

- Oversee facility closure activities.

- Coordinate, research, and respond to questions about past permits and options for permit transfers or renewals.
• Assist the Cyanidation Program Manager with technical support for ongoing activities under the cyanidation statute and rules:

- Participate in reviews of preliminary design reports and pre-application submittals.

- Coordinate the pre-application and submittal process.

- Conduct public meetings and outreach.

- Write review comments, fact sheets, and permits.

- Review cyanidation facility designs and operating plans (e.g., ore processing, heap leach, process water storage, and tailings storage, permanent closure, operations and maintenance plans, water quality monitoring plans, and other plans related to facility operation as required by rule).

- Coordinate with DEQ regional offices on permit oversight and facility closures.
• Help develop and implement the cyanidation program:

- Conduct the state rulemaking process for the cyanidation rules as needed.

- Develop cyanidation procedures and guidance.

- Develop outreach materials and conduct outreach events for all stages of the cyanidation permitting lifecycle.

- Provide technical and programmatic support to mining companies and other stakeholders.

- Coordination with DEQ regional offices, other DEQ programs, the Deputy Attorney General's office, and other state and federal agencies.
• Supporting Responsibilities:

- Provide technical assistance for various types of mining projects throughout the state, including projects related to legacy mine sites (i.e., historic and/or abandoned mine sites) and the planning and operations of current and future mine sites.

Minimum Qualifications:

Considerable knowledge of physical or biological scientific principles, methodologies, and applications:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in the physical or biological sciences, or a related field and an additional six (6) years of professional experience designing and implementing scientific applications, investigations, studies such as chemical, physical, or biological monitoring, corrective action plans, analysis, and assessment,

OR;

Equivalent years of experience where two (2) years of applicable experience can substitute for one (1) year of college, and an additional six (6) years of related work experience,as defined above,

OR;

Possession of a Master's degree in the sciences or related field; and an additional four (4) years of related work experience, as defined above,

OR;

Possession of a Doctor of Philosophy in the sciences or related field; and an additional two (2) years of related work experience, as defined above.

OR;

Any other equivalent combination of education and work experience as described above.

Education and experience should include scientific assessment, environmental protection and pollution control techniques, such as designing, reviewing, or implementing scientific projects, investigations remediation projects, monitoring projects; OR; Organizing and interpreting laboratory and field data; performing activities associated with pollution prevention and mitigation; and recommending and overseeing the completion of remedial actions.

Required Specialty Minimum Qualification

DEQ - Waste

Experience demonstrating some knowledge of mining processes typically gained through possession of a college degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geophysics, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Soil Science, Chemical, Civil, Mining or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field;

OR

education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree;

AND at least two (2) years of experience working on mine design, development, construction, operations, remediation, reclamation, and/or permitting that has provided me with a good understanding of mining processes;

OR At least four (4) years of experience working on industrial or mining sites to develop and implement sampling programs for soils, surface water, ground water or air; evaluation of environmental impacts from past contamination of soil, sediment, or water; construction or project management experience to develop and implement remediation and reclamation plans, and a good understanding of relationships between the Federal and State agencies responsible for natural resources management and/or managing human health risks.

Desired Qualification

3120 - Waste

DEQ Within the first 12 months of hire, be certified as a Registered Geologist by the Idaho Board of Professional Geologists and in compliance with Idaho Code 54-2802; OR a registered Geologist certified by another state and eligible for cooperative licensing in Idaho.

3116 - Waste

Considerable knowledge of remediation typically gained through possession of a college degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geophysics, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Soil Science, Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field; OR education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree; AND two (2) years of work experience in investigating, monitoring and remediating past contamination, evaluating fate and transport of contaminants, applying short-term and long-term control and clean-up technologies; OR possession of an unrelated college degree; AND successful completion of two (2) years of environmental college level coursework supplemented with four (4) years full-time work experience as outlined above; OR At least eight (8) years of work experience in investigating, monitoring and remediating past contamination, evaluating fate and transport of contaminants, applying short-term and long-term control and clean-up technologies, and/or interpretation and application of federal and/or state environmental rules and regulations.

Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)
• Ability to sit and work on a computer for 2-4 hours at a time.
• Ability to bend and reach for filing purposes.
• Some periods of heavy reading and typing are required.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds when working with file boxes.
• Some travel may be required.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to climb ladders, staircases, work on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds over rough terrain.
• Ability to work in adverse or inclement weather.
• Ability to work in extreme hot or cold temperatures both outside and inside.
• Field sites may involve working near and with drilling rigs, backhoes, trucks and other large equipment in rough terrain.
• Occasional travel required.
• May work in the vicinity of loud noise.
• May be required to travel and stay overnight in remote areas.
• May come into contact with hazardous waste/materials.

Optional Licensure or Certifications:

Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI)

Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM)

Professional Engineer (PE)

Professional Geologist (PG)

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS)

American Board of Toxicology Certification

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://statecareers.idaho.gov/pages/benefits

If you have questions, please contact us at:

Email: recruitment@deq.idaho.gov

Phone: (208) 373-0333